Cluj vs Celtic Prediction & Match Preview

Celtic have already ensured their progression into the knockouts as group champions, and can afford to be a bit relaxed this Thursday. However, Cluj do not have that luxury. They may have the second spot in the table, but if they lose this game, and Lazio win theirs, CFR Cluj will be eliminated from the competition. As such, the hosts are desperate to do well against Celtic in this final match-day.

CFR Cluj vs Celtic Head-to-head (h2h)

The reverse fixture of this game ended in a 2-0 win for Celtic at home.

Previously, in their CL qualification rounds this season, Cluj had secured a 3-4 win on the road, and before that, Celtic had held this opponent to a 1-1 draw in the first leg.

CFR Cluj vs Celtic Prediction

Cluj were desperate to post three points on the board the last match-day in the Europa, but they had to concede a loss against Lazio, and that too, to a narrow scoreline of 1-0.

In the meantime, Celtic delivered a dominating 3-1 victory over Rennes the same match-day in the Europa. The win would have been more fulfilling if not for the sole goal conceded by the Scottish outfit in the 89th minute.

This Thursday, Celtic do not possess any tensed feeling at all. They are the toppers even if they go on and lose this tie. All the Premiership champions will be concerned about will be how they would keep their momentum going on into the knockouts.

On the other hand, Cluj cannot risk giving up their ticket, as a Lazio win over Rennes, coupled with a Cluj loss against Celtic will result in the Italians progressing. As such, at least a draw is mandatory for the Romanians. And this puts them under pressure, with potential to make a lot of mistakes.

On top of that, Cluj have a total of one win from their past four matches, whereas their counterparts are on a 12-game winning run. Celtic are also on a five-match winning streak on the road.

Moreover, Cluj had lost against this opponent in the reverse fixture, and had even failed to find the back of the net then.

As such, considering the pressure Cluj are under, and the respective forms of both teams, Celtic should make it through the ninety minutes without losing.

However, consider the desperation of the hosts, and the easy-go attitude Celtic would probably adapt for the game. Add the home advantage to the mix as well, and the scope for BTTS rises considerably this match-day.